Southampton, Hampshire
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This summer, in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with a host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13 July - 13 September (F). It's the final weekend of the Basingstoke Festival 4 - 5 July, with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class performances - free to visit (F), whilst in East Hampshire now is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Lavender Fields near Alton. In Winchester, the brand new outdoor Play Wild opens at Winchester Science Centre from the 18 July, inviting curiosity and discovery through science and nature-themed play.
Get your skates on down to Southampton's RollerLand at Westquay, for roller skating lessons, regular and late skate sessions this summer, 17 - 30 August, plus the chance to enjoy some retail therapy at more 70 stores, including John Lewis. The fantastic fast and furious British Motor Show returns to Farnborough from 21 - 23 August, with supercars, a test-driving zone, pit lane experience and festival fields. If you book before the 16 August you can save up to 20% on ticket prices.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 164
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Sporting Event
Cowes
Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.
General event
Southampton
Shieldhall will initially steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Arvia and Queen Anne – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! Then heading east, Shieldhall will pass into Portsmouth…
Family
Sandown
This summer enjoy a relaxing Sunset Safaris at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown on the Isle of Wight. Every Wednesday evening between the 5th August - 26th August, this is a rare opportunity to see the animals in a completely different…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday September 5
10:00am-5:30pm
The first Saturday in September each year is International Vulture Awareness Day.
At the Hawk Conservancy Trust, they love vultures, so every day is vulture awareness day! If you would like to celebrate these…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.
Carnival route …
Summer
Whitchurch
This summer enjoy Friday nights with friends at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery near Whitchurch at the brand new Aperitivo evenings.
Inspired by the Italian aperitivo tradition, this early evening experience invites you to slow down, gather with…
Carnival
Yarmouth
Yarmouth Carnival Week on the Isle of Wight Events every day of the week at Yarmouth Carnival from Saturday 15 August to Saturday 22 August 2026 - come and join in the fun!
Family fun activities all week There are a variety of family fun…
Childrens Events
Winchester
Get ready for a generational showdown at Winchester Science Centre!
Step into a high-energy family silent disco where the battle of the decades begins! Will you side with the iconic tunes of the 90s & 00s, or vibe along to the biggest hits from the…
Carnival
Newport
Newport Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Carnival fever comes to the island's capital town, various locations around Newport.
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Festival
Portsea
Coffee on the Coast is a one day specialty coffee festival in Portsmouth, bringing together roasters, industry experts, and coffee lovers.
Arts
St Leonards, Ringwood
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Childrens Events
New Forest
Horrible Histories® bring the Vile Victorians to Beaulieu!
From 23 May to 31 August follow Rattus, the cheeky rat from Horrible Histories, on a trail around the attraction packed with dreadful discoveries, delightfully disgusting details and plenty…
Heritage & History
Waterloville
A contingent from the Butser IX Roman Legion will be in residence around the Roman Villa at Butser Ancient Farm with demonstrations, roman cooking, crafts, games and more.
Halloween
Beaulieu
The New Forest Activities favourite BattleZone just got a whole lot scarier! Paint the battlefield dead as your ghoulsome troops creep up on the enemy, using infra-red technology guns to spook your way to victory.
Festival
Ryde
Steampunk Festival fun on the Isle of Wight Join us to find out what all the excitement is about for the biggest and best Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival 2026 in Ryde. There will be two full days of splendidness between the 18 and 20 September!…
Christmas
Winchester
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe.Taking place in November and December each year, Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and handpicked high…
Summer
Southampton
Southampton Pride returns in 2026 taking place on the 29th to 30th August 2026. Beginning back in 2016, Southampton Pride's has gone from strength to strength and this year the Pride event in August attracts celebrities from all over the UK coming…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Monday 21 December
Food available from 4:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a special evening to get you in the Christmas spirit! Sing along with Christmas carols, both…
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2026 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Music
Newport
Strings Bar & Venue present Scouting for Girls, The Lilacs, The Covasettes, Goodbye Stereo & Ruby in the intimate setting of Robin Hill Woodlands.
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
